Indiana athletes granted court order restoring NCAA eligibility

A Monroe Circuit Court judge has issued a temporary restraining order (TRO) restoring eligibility for several Indiana University athletes, including defensive linemen Stephen Daley and Kellan Wyatt. The ruling, issued by Judge Kara Krothe, prevents the NCAA and the Big Ten conference from prohibiting seven plaintiffs from competing during the 2026-27 academic year.

Daley and Wyatt, key members of Indiana’s national championship defense, were among those challenging NCAA rules that excluded athletes from the high school class of 2022 from receiving a fifth year of eligibility. While a previous federal injunction covering this class was stayed by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 10th Circuit, this specific state-level TRO allows these athletes to participate in upcoming competitions, including Indiana’s season opener against North Texas.

The ruling also includes a provision requiring the NCAA to open the transfer portal for the affected athletes for one week. A formal hearing to consider a preliminary injunction is scheduled for September 11, which will determine if the eligibility restoration becomes permanent.